Zespolenie tętnicy podkolanowej
Epidemiologia

Zespół tętnicy podkolanowej (PAES) to rzadka, naczyniowa patologia charakteryzująca się uciskiem tętnicy podkolanowej przez nieprawidłowe lub przerostowe struktury mięśniowo-powięziowe, prowadząc do ograniczenia przepływu krwi. Częstość występowania PAES w populacji amerykańskiej szacuje się na 0,17%-3,5%, z przewagą u młodych, aktywnych fizycznie mężczyzn (ok. 85%), głównie w trzeciej dekadzie życia (średni wiek rozpoznania 32 lata). PAES może mieć charakter anatomiczny (częściej u mężczyzn >40 r.ż.) lub funkcjonalny (częściej u wytrenowanych kobiet 20-29 lat). Objawy często są niespecyficzne, co prowadzi do opóźnień diagnostycznych (mediana 12 miesięcy), a schorzenie bywa mylone z innymi zespołami, np. kompartmentowym wysiłkowym. W diagnostyce kluczowe są badania obrazowe, zwłaszcza dynamiczne: CT, MRI, angiografia z manewrami prowokacyjnymi oraz ultrasonografia. PAES stanowi około 0,17%-3,5% przypadków niedokrwienia kończyn dolnych o etiologii niemiażdżycowej, a w 30-67% przypadków może mieć charakter obustronny.

Epidemiologia zespolenia tętnicy podkolanowej

Zespolenie tętnicy podkolanowej (Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome, PAES) to rzadka jednostka chorobowa naczyniowa, która została zdefiniowana około 40 lat temu. Charakteryzuje się ograniczeniem przepływu krwi przez tętnicę podkolanową z powodu jej ucisku przez nieprawidłowo położone lub przerośnięte struktury mięśniowo-powięziowe w dole podkolanowym. Częstość występowania tego schorzenia wzrosła nieznacznie w ostatnich latach, choć rzeczywista prewalencja pozostaje nieznana, gdyż prawdopodobnie wiele przypadków nie jest zgłaszanych.12

Częstotliwość występowania

Szacowana częstość występowania PAES waha się w zakresie od 0,17% do 3,5% populacji ogólnej w Stanach Zjednoczonych.13 Różnice w szacunkach częściowo wynikają z metodologii badań – badania pośmiertne wskazują na wyższą częstość (3,5%), podczas gdy badania kliniczne sugerują niższą (0,17%).4 Jednak warto podkreślić, że rzeczywista częstość występowania może być wyższa, ponieważ wiele przypadków PAES pozostaje niezdiagnozowanych lub jest błędnie rozpoznawanych jako inne schorzenia naczyniowe czy mięśniowo-szkieletowe.56

PAES stanowi około 0,17%-3,5% przypadków naczyniowego zagrożenia kończyn dolnych, będąc tym samym istotną, choć rzadką przyczyną zaburzeń ukrwienia kończyn dolnych pochodzenia nie-miażdżycowego.78

Charakterystyka demograficzna

PAES wykazuje wyraźną preferencję w kierunku młodych, aktywnych fizycznie osób. Około 85% pacjentów z rozpoznanym PAES stanowią mężczyźni.27 Stosunek mężczyzn do kobiet jest szacowany nawet na 15:1.910 Ta dysproporcja może być jednak przeszacowana ze względu na fakt, że mężczyźni są generalnie bardziej aktywni fizycznie niż kobiety, a także dlatego, że duża część danych pochodzi ze szpitali wojskowych, które leczą głównie populacje męskie.11

Wiek zachorowania to najczęściej trzecia dekada życia, przy czym około 60% przypadków występuje u młodych sportowców poniżej 30 roku życia.75 Schorzenie to rzadko jest diagnozowane u osób powyżej 40 roku życia.1213 Średni wiek w momencie rozpoznania PAES wynosi około 32 lata.148

Występowanie obustronne

Warto zauważyć, że PAES może występować obustronnie w około 30% przypadków.211 Inne źródła wskazują na jeszcze wyższy odsetek – do 2/3 wszystkich przypadków (około 67%) może mieć charakter obustronny.159 W badaniu obejmującym 13 przypadków PAES, dwóch z 11 pacjentów miało obustronne zajęcie tętnic podkolanowych.8

Czynniki ryzyka i grupy podatne

Zespolenie tętnicy podkolanowej występuje najczęściej u osób młodych, które są aktywne fizycznie i nie mają typowych czynników ryzyka miażdżycy.314

Aktywność sportowa

Szczególnie narażeni są sportowcy uczestniczący w dyscyplinach wymagających intensywnego wysiłku kończyn dolnych, takich jak:14

  • Bieganie na długie dystanse
  • Koszykówka
  • Piłka nożna
  • Rugby
  • Sztuki walki
  • Kolarstwo

1611

Zwiększone ryzyko występuje również u osób, które intensywnie trenują siłowo lub uczestniczą w treningach o wysokiej intensywności, co może prowadzić do szybkiego wzrostu masy mięśniowej.1312 Osoby z dobrze rozwiniętymi mięśniami są bardziej narażone na wystąpienie objawów, co prawdopodobnie wyjaśnia, dlaczego zespół ten jest najczęściej spotykany u młodych sportowców.9

Podtypy PAES

W zależności od mechanizmu powstawania, PAES można podzielić na dwie główne kategorie:10

  1. Anatomiczne (wrodzone) – występują częściej u mężczyzn powyżej 40 roku życia o niższych wymaganiach funkcjonalnych
  2. Funkcjonalne – wynikają z przerostu prawidłowo położonego mięśnia brzuchatego łydki i występują częściej u wysoko wytrenowanych kobiet w wieku 20-29 lat

Częstość występowania funkcjonalnego PAES nie jest dobrze scharakteryzowana, choć może być wyższa niż jego anatomicznego odpowiednika.17

Wyzwania diagnostyczne i opóźnienia w rozpoznaniu

PAES stanowi wyzwanie diagnostyczne ze względu na niespecyficzną symptomatologię i jest często błędnie diagnozowane jako zespół kompartmentowy wysiłkowy.317

Opóźnienia w diagnozie

Mediana opóźnienia w diagnostyce wynosi 12 miesięcy, co oznacza, że pacjenci często przez długi czas cierpią bez właściwego rozpoznania.176 Istnieją doniesienia o przypadkach błędnej diagnozy trwającej nawet do 15 lat, co wynika z młodego wieku pacjentów, braku czynników ryzyka miażdżycy oraz podobieństwa do innych schorzeń kończyn dolnych.6

Ze względu na swoją rzadkość, PAES jest często pomijane w diagnostyce różnicowej lub błędnie rozpoznawane jako zakrzepica lub zator.818 W efekcie lekarze mogą przeoczyć odpowiedni moment na podjęcie leczenia.18

Implikacje dla nadzoru medycznego

Konieczne jest uwzględnienie PAES w diagnostyce różnicowej u młodych pacjentów z chromaniem przestankowym, którzy mają zlokalizowane zmiany w tętnicy podkolanowej.1819 PAES musi być podejrzewane u wszystkich młodych pacjentów z chromaniem łydki, a odpowiednie badania obrazowe powinny być przeprowadzone po pełnym zebraniu wywiadu i badaniu fizykalnym.19

Rozpoznanie PAES we wczesnym stadium pozwala na łatwiejsze i bardziej skuteczne leczenie.1320 Wczesna interwencja chirurgiczna jest zalecana w celu zminimalizowania zakresu zabiegu i zmniejszenia powikłań choroby.18

Metody diagnostyczne w nadzorze nad PAES

Diagnostyka PAES wymaga kompleksowego podejścia, ponieważ badania obrazowe w spoczynku mogą być prawidłowe, a dynamiczne badania obrazowe są niezbędne do postawienia właściwego rozpoznania.4

Badania obrazowe

Do najważniejszych metod diagnostycznych należą:108

21

W przypadku planowania interwencji chirurgicznej na podstawie podejrzenia patologii tętnicy podkolanowej, preferowanym badaniem diagnostycznym jest angiografia cewnikowa z kontrastem i manewrami prowokacyjnymi.10

Znaczenie nadzoru

Niezdiagnozowany PAES może prowadzić do przewlekłych powikłań, w tym okluzji tętniczej, krytycznego niedokrwienia kończyn, tworzenia się tętniaków, a nawet amputacji.6 Dlatego konieczny jest wysoki stopień podejrzenia u młodych, aktywnych pacjentów prezentujących objawy tętnicze kończyn dolnych.17

Zespoły medyczne, szczególnie te zajmujące się sportowcami, powinny podejrzewać tępe urazy tętnicy podkolanowej i/lub PAES u wszystkich łyżwiarzy zgłaszających ból łydki z urazem lub bez.19

Implikacje terapeutyczne i prognozy

Leczenie chirurgiczne jest preferowaną metodą terapii PAES, dając doskonałe wyniki u większości pacjentów.22

Skuteczność leczenia chirurgicznego

Ponad 90% osób, które przeszły zabieg chirurgiczny, doświadcza znacznej poprawy objawów.2216 Długoterminowe wyniki leczenia chirurgicznego PAES wydają się być bardzo satysfakcjonujące, z wysokimi wskaźnikami drożności po zabiegu.4

Wskaźniki 15-letniej pierwotnej drożności dla leczenia chirurgicznego PAES wynoszą około 98%, a wskaźniki wolności od rewaskularyzacji zmiany docelowej (TLR) osiągają 92,4%.4 Długoterminowa drożność jest lepsza, gdy wykonuje się resekcję mięśniowo-ścięgnistą bez rekonstrukcji naczyniowej.4

Powrót do aktywności

Większość sportowców jest w stanie wrócić do normalnej aktywności po operacji.2216 Odsetek pacjentów, którzy zgłaszają brak objawów po operacji, wynosi od 70% do 100%.23

Nadzór pooperacyjny

Po operacji PAES większość osób dochodzi do pełnego zdrowia z niskim ryzykiem nawrotu.16 Powikłania pooperacyjne są stosunkowo rzadkie, choć w niektórych przypadkach może dojść do niedrożności przeszczepu lub okluzji segmentu tętnicy podkolanowej po endarterektomii.88

Znaczenie w zdrowiu publicznym

Mimo że PAES jest rzadkim schorzeniem, jego znaczenie dla zdrowia publicznego nie powinno być lekceważone, szczególnie biorąc pod uwagę potencjalne poważne konsekwencje nieleczonego stanu.2

Wzrost świadomości

W ostatnich latach zaobserwowano wzrost częstości występowania PAES, co prawdopodobnie wynika ze zwiększonej świadomości w środowisku medycznym.147 Jednak mimo to, PAES pozostaje niedodiagnozowanym schorzeniem, które może naśladować inne zaburzenia u młodych, aktywnych osób.10

Wpływ COVID-19

Warto odnotować, że COVID-19 może zwiększać ryzyko zakrzepicy tętniczo-żylnej, co może dodatkowo nasilać ostre niedokrwienie kończyn dolnych u osób z PAES.24 Uwzględnienie tego związku może być istotne w kontekście nadzoru epidemiologicznego nad PAES w okresie pandemii.

Znaczenie wczesnej interwencji

PAES jest potencjalnie poważnym schorzeniem, które może prowadzić do utraty kończyny, jeśli nie zostanie właściwie leczone.25 W niektórych przypadkach długotrwały ucisk tętnicy podkolanowej może powodować zwężenie (stenozę) tętnicy, wywołując ból i skurcze nawet przy niewielkiej aktywności, takiej jak chodzenie.13

Jeśli PAES zostanie rozpoznane wcześnie, leczenie może być łatwiejsze i bardziej skuteczne.1320 Dlatego osoby z objawami PAES powinny jak najszybciej skonsultować się z lekarzem.25

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  1. 09.04.2026
  2. www.leksykon.com.pl

Materiały źródłowe

  • #1 Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441965/
    The rare clinical manifestation of Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome (PAES) was defined approximately 40 years ago. It has a preference for young to middle-aged patients. While the incidence of this disease has risen slightly in recent years, the true prevalence is unknown as the number of cases is likely underreported. Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES), described by Stuart in 1879, is an uncommon limb-threatening vascular entity comprising approximately 0.17%-3.5% of the general population in the United States (US). Surprisingly, PAES predominantly effects active young males without a previous history of cardiovascular risk factors. Furthermore, patients with PAES primarily present complaining of intermittent pain in the feet and calves that usually occurs after the exercise and vanishes at rest.
  • #2 Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441965/
    Although PAES remains an essential cause for vascular compromise, over the last few decades, the incidence of this uncommon abnormality has increased. In a recent case report published on this unique clinical entity, Wady et al. reported the overall incidence of PAES to be in the range of 0.17% to 3.5% general population. Furthermore, 85% of patients affected with this condition are males, with almost 60% of cases occurring in young athletes during the third decade of life. Moreover, in about 30% of the case, the disease has a bilaterally symptomatic presentation. […] The current article discusses the underlying pathophysiology of the PAES, highlights the relevance of a detailed history and also physical examination to illuminate the diagnosis of PAES, and also elaborates the necessary information that leads to the identification of high-risk patients requiring urgent surgical intervention.
  • #3 Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8569273/
    Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) is a rare vascular disorder defined as compression of the popliteal artery by aberrant myotendinous structures in the popliteal fossa. The incidence of PAES has been reported between 0.6% and 3.5%, primarily in a young, athletic population without atherosclerotic risk factors. The incidence of functional PAES is not well characterized, though may be more prevalent than its anatomic cousin. The median delay to diagnosis has been reported as 12 months, so a high degree of suspicion is warranted for young, active patients presenting with lower extremity peripheral arterial symptoms. […] PAES is a challenging diagnosis due to non-specific symptomatology and is often misdiagnosed as exertional compartment syndrome.
  • #4 Long-Term Results of Surgical Treatment for Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome
    https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4418/14/12/1302
    Long-term results of surgical treatment for popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) seem to be very satisfying. […] The exact incidence of PES is not clear. Clinical studies report an incidence of 0.17%, while post-mortem studies suggest an incidence of 3.5%. […] Most patients affected by PES are predominantly young (in their early 30 s) males (83%). […] Nevertheless, most functional PAES are not diagnosed. Nowadays, the diagnosis remains challenging because dynamic imaging is needed as the imaging examinations at rest may be normal. […] The rates for freedom from target lesion revascularization (TLR) and 15-year primary patency for the surgical treatment of PAES were 92.4% and 98%, respectively. […] Long-term patency was superior when musculotendinous sectioning was performed without vascular reconstruction.
  • #5 Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome: What to know
    https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/popliteal-artery-entrapment-syndrome
    Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) is a rare condition affecting the artery in the back of the knee. […] Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) mainly affects active young male athletes. […] According to a 2018 case study, up to 85% of people diagnosed with PAEP are male. […] Around 60% of people with PAES are athletes in their 20s. […] PAES is a rare condition. […] The condition occurs in 0.17% to 3.5% of people in the United States. However, it may be more common than official figures suggest, as a significant number of people may not report having PAES, or misdiagnosis may happen.
  • #6 Recognising and Managing Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome A Concise Overview for Physiotherapists – BJSM blog – social media’s leading SEM voice
    https://blogs.bmj.com/bjsm/2025/04/07/recognising-and-managing-popliteal-artery-entrapment-syndrome-a-concise-overview-for-physiotherapists/
    Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome (PAES), first described in 1965, involves neuromuscular and ischemic symptoms caused by pathologic impingement of the popliteal artery (PA), with or without the involvement of the popliteal vein, and tibial nerve in the popliteal fossa. PAES has an estimated incidence of 0.17% to 3.5%, with approximately 85% of cases affecting males, predominantly athletes under 30 years old. […] The median delay in diagnosis is 12 months, with reports of misdiagnosis lasting up to 15 years due to the young age of patients, lack of atherosclerotic risk factors, and similarity to other lower limb conditions. If undiagnosed, it can progress to chronic complications, including arterial occlusion, critical limb ischemia, aneurysm formation, or even amputation. […] PAES can mimic conditions like chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) and other vascular or musculoskeletal disorders. Distinguishing between anatomical and functional PAES requires further investigation, as clinical symptoms alone are insufficient. […] Recognising PAES: PAES is an important differential diagnosis for chronic exertional leg pain. It is commonly missed, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment.
  • #7 Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome – MD Searchlight
    https://mdsearchlight.com/health/popliteal-artery-entrapment-syndrome/
    Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) is a rare condition that could lead to serious problems in limbs. It only affects around 0.17%-3.5% of people in the United States. […] According to a recent study, the number of people suffering from PAES is estimated to be anywhere between 0.17% and 3.5% of the population. […] A vast majority of PAES patients, around 85%, are males. […] Young athletes, particularly those in their 30s, tend to be affected the most with almost 60% of cases occurring in this group. […] Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) is a rather rare but important cause of vascular problems. In fact, more cases have been reported in recent years.
  • #8 Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome: 13 Cases
    https://www.vsijournal.org/journal/view.html?uid=354&page=&pn=mostread&sort=publish_Date%20DESC&spage=&vmd=Full
    Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) is rare but major cause of non-atheromatous popliteal arterial insufficiency in young. […] Because of its rareness, it is often neglected or misdiagnosed as thrombosis or embolism. […] Two of 11 patients had bilateral involvement. […] All patients were male and aged 12 to 45 year old (mean; 32.1). […] Intermittent claudication was presented as initial symptom in all. […] One had toe gangrene. […] Conventional arteriography (11 cases) was used as initial diagnostic method. […] CT (7 cases) and MR (4 cases) angiography were also used to make diagnosis. […] Type II PAES were most common in 7 limbs. […] 11 limbs of 10 patients underwent operation. […] One was managed conservatively because of advanced liver cirrhosis. […] Resection of medial head of gastrocnemius and popliteal arterial bypass were performed in 7 limbs.
  • #8 Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome: 13 Cases
    https://www.vsijournal.org/journal/view.html?uid=354&page=&pn=mostread&sort=publish_Date%20DESC&spage=&vmd=Full
    One myectomy with femoroposterotibial bypass, one femoropopliteal bypass without myectomy, and myectomy with patch angioplasty were performed. […] Postoperative complication occurred in two limbs. […] One had occlusion of graft, another had occluded segment of endarterectomised popliteal artery. […] Primary graft patency at 6 mo, 1 yr and 3 yr were 81% 81%, 81% respectively. […] In young patients with claudication who have localized lesion at popliteal artery, clinicians should pay attention to rule out PAES. […] Accurate diagnosis can be achieved by CT or MR angiography. […] Early surgical correction is recommended to minimize surgical procedure and reduce complication of the disease.
  • #9 Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome | Radiology Reference Article | Radiopaedia.org
    https://radiopaedia.org/articles/popliteal-artery-entrapment-syndrome?embed_domain=hackmd.io%252525252F%2525252540yipuafecsl2jsu8smr5njq%252525252Fbnjhjgjghjghjghradiopaedia-icon-144.pngfavicon.icofavicon.ico&lang=gb
    The anatomic anomalies may be seen in up to 3-3.5% of the population and are often bilateral 2 (~2/3 of cases). […] Most individuals; however, are asymptomatic, and the true clinical syndrome is far less common. […] Individuals with well-developed muscles are more likely to be symptomatic, which probably explains why the syndrome is most often found in young sportspersons (~60 % in those 30 years) with a male-to-female ratio of 15:1 3.
  • #10 Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome – Sports Medicine Review
    https://www.sportsmedreview.com/blog/popliteal-artery-entrapment-syndrome/
    Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) is an underreported condition affecting the lower extremities in active individuals. The reported incidence of popliteal artery entrapment syndrome ranges from 0.6% to 3.5%. However, the prevalence of asymptomatic popliteal artery occlusion is estimated to be as high as 80%. Bilateral disease is found in up to two-thirds of cases, and 1 study suggested a 15:1 male to female ratio. Most of the current knowledge of popliteal artery entrapment syndrome is based on case studies, making the true incidence of the syndrome difficult to ascertain. […] Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome is characterized by two broad categories: (1) congenital or anatomic and (2) functional. Anatomic variants found in popliteal artery entrapment syndrome tend to occur in older men who are greater than 40 years of age with lower functional demands, and the functional variants are due to hypertrophy of a normal medial gastrocnemius muscle and tend to present in highly conditioned women who are 20 to 29 years of age.
  • #10 Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome – Sports Medicine Review
    https://www.sportsmedreview.com/blog/popliteal-artery-entrapment-syndrome/
    Advanced imaging including computed tomography (CT) and CT angiography or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is important in evaluating for anatomic aberrancies that must be corrected. If planning for surgical intervention based on suspected popliteal artery pathology, catheter-based contrast angiography with provocative maneuvers is the preferred diagnostic imaging used. […] In summary, popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) is a rare, but underdiagnosed, condition that closely mimics other disorders in active, young individuals. It is caused by anatomic variants of the popliteal fossa muscles or transient functional increases in muscle bulk, and long term popliteal artery entrapment syndrome can lead to damage to the regional vasculature. Diagnostic testing should be done in a logical manner and awareness of this condition can lead to a more prompt diagnosis and treatment.
  • #11 Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome – Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Popliteal_artery_entrapment_syndrome
    In the general population, popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) has an estimated prevalence of 0.16%. It is most commonly found in young, physically active males. In fact, sixty percent of all cases of this syndrome occur in athletically active males under the age of 30. The predilection of this syndrome presents in a male to female ratio of 15:1. This discrepancy in prevalence may be overestimated due the findings that males are generally found to be more physically active than females or because a large portion of the data is from military hospitals that treat mostly male populations. People, who participate in running, soccer, football, basketball, or rugby, are at increased risk. […] Newborns and young children are also at increased PAES risk due to congenital causes. During embryonic development, the medial head of gastrocnemius migrates medially and superiorly. This migration can cause structural abnormalities, such as irregular positioning of the popliteal artery, and can account for the rare instances of entrapment caused by the popliteus muscle. Less than 3% of all people are born with this anatomical defect that progresses into PAES, and of those who are born with the anatomical defect, the majority never develop symptoms. Bilateral presentation of PAES is found in approximately 30% of cases.
  • #12 Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/popliteal-artery-entrapment/symptoms-causes/syc-20465211
    Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) is an uncommon condition that affects the main artery behind the knee. […] Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome is most common among athletes. […] Symptoms typically affect young, otherwise healthy people under age 40. […] Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) is uncommon. […] The condition is most often seen in people who are in their late teens or 20s. It’s rarely diagnosed in those over age 40. […] PAES can occur in anyone, but it’s much more common in young men. […] Runners, bicyclists, and athletes who try to build muscle fast with weight training routines or high-intensity circuit training are at the highest risk.
  • #13 Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome | Altru Health System
    https://www.altru.org/health-library/conditions/popliteal-artery-entrapment-syndrome
    Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) is an uncommon condition in which an abnormally positioned or enlarged calf muscle presses on the main artery behind the knee (popliteal artery). The artery becomes trapped, making it harder for blood to flow to the lower leg and foot. […] Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome is most common among athletes. […] Symptoms typically affect young, otherwise healthy people under age 40. […] Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) is uncommon. The following things increase your risk of the condition. […] The condition is most often seen in people who are in their late teens or 20s. It’s rarely diagnosed in those over age 40. […] PAES can occur in anyone, but it’s much more common in young men. […] Runners, bicyclists, and athletes who try to build muscle fast with weight training routines or high-intensity circuit training are at the highest risk.
  • #13 Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome | Altru Health System
    https://www.altru.org/health-library/conditions/popliteal-artery-entrapment-syndrome
    Long-term pressure on the popliteal artery can cause the artery to narrow (stenosis), causing pain and cramping with just slight activity, such as walking. […] Older athletes with signs and symptoms of popliteal artery entrapment syndrome should be checked for popliteal aneurysm, which is common in older men. […] Diagnosing the condition can sometimes be challenging. […] Surgery is the only way to correct the abnormal calf muscle and free the trapped artery. […] If popliteal artery entrapment syndrome is found early, your treatment may be easier and more effective.
  • #14 Popliteal entrapment syndromes – UpToDate
    https://www.uptodate.com/contents/popliteal-entrapment-syndromes
    Popliteal entrapment syndrome (PES) is a condition in which the anatomic relationship between the neurovascular structures of the popliteal fossa and nearby musculotendinous structures is abnormal. Popliteal artery entrapment is the most common form, and popliteal artery compression can reduce blood flow to the leg causing ischemic symptoms. Symptoms are usually chronic, but acute ischemia can also occur. Much less commonly, the popliteal vein is compressed manifesting with chronic venous symptoms. […] PES is an overall rare condition, but its prevalence has increased in recent years likely because of increased awareness in the medical community. The overall prevalence of PES is estimated to range from 0.17 to 3.5 percent of the general population. PES is most commonly seen in young, otherwise healthy individuals with a male predominance. Typical atherosclerotic risk factors such as smoking, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes are absent. Based on a systemic review published in 2021, the mean age at PES diagnosis was 32 years, and 83 percent of affected patients were male. Popliteal entrapment is most common in athletes participating in long-distance running, basketball, football, rugby, soccer, and martial arts.
  • #15 Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome – WikiSM (Sports Medicine Wiki)
    https://wikism.org/Popliteal_Artery_Entrapment_Syndrome
    Epidemiology […] Incidence Estimated to range from 0.6% to 3.5% […] Prevalence Asymptomatic occlusion may be as a high as 80% (need citation) […] Bilateral disease seen in 2/3 of cases
  • #16 Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome (PAES) Causes and Treatments
    https://www.upmc.com/services/heart-vascular/conditions/popliteal-artery-entrapment-syndrome
    Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) is a rare vascular condition of the leg. […] PAES tends to affect male athletes under 30, largely runners. […] PAES is a rare vascular disease. […] PAES is most common in young athletes, largely those who play soccer, football, rugby, or vigorously lift weights. […] Men more likely to get PAES than women. […] In some cases, compression from PAES can damage and narrow the wall of the popliteal artery. […] In severe cases, permanent muscle or nerve damage can occur due to compression or loss of blood flow to the lower leg. […] If you have symptoms of PAES, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor. Although PAES is not an emergency, if left untreated, it can cause permanent damage to your popliteal artery, nerves, or muscles. […] After PAES surgery, most people make a full recovery with a low risk of recurrence. Most athletes are able to return to their sport. […] PAES surgery successfully relieves symptoms in more than 90 percent of people.
  • #17 Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome – Bradshaw – Cardiovascular Diagnosis and Therapy
    https://cdt.amegroups.org/article/view/46396/html
    The incidence of PAES has been reported between 0.6% and 3.5%, primarily in a young, athletic population without atherosclerotic risk factors (10). […] The incidence of functional PAES is not well characterized, though may be more prevalent than its anatomic cousin (11). […] The anatomic variant causes of PAES tend to occur in middle-aged men with lower functional demands, while functional PAES presents in younger, highly conditioned athletes, such as cyclists or military personnel (11-13). […] PAES is a challenging diagnosis due to non-specific symptomatology and is often misdiagnosed as exertional compartment syndrome (11,14). […] The median delay to diagnosis has been reported as 12 months, so a high degree of suspicion is warranted for young, active patients presenting with lower extremity peripheral arterial symptoms (7).
  • #18 Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome: 13 Cases
    https://test-vsijournal.inforang.com/journal/view.html?pn=related&uid=354&vmd=Full
    Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) is rare but major cause of non-atheromatous popliteal arterial insufficiency in young. […] Because of its rareness, it is often neglected or misdiagnosed as thrombosis or embolism. […] Consequently surgeons would lose the appropriate time of treatment. […] In young patients with claudication who have localized lesion at popliteal artery, clinicians should pay attention to rule out PAES. […] Accurate diagnosis can be achieved by CT or MR angiography. […] Early surgical correction is recommended to minimize surgical procedure and reduce complication of the disease.
  • #19
    https://journals.lww.com/cjsportsmed/fulltext/2022/09000/double_major_for_slashing__management_of_blunt.29.aspx
    Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) is a rare condition that produces calf claudication in young patients. It is most commonly a result of aberrant anatomy of the popliteal fossa. If undiagnosed, PAES can lead to acute ischemia and a threatened limb as a result of complete arterial occlusion or embolism. […] Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome was first described in 1879 by Stuart as he encountered the anatomical variation while doing a dissection. The reported incidence ranges from 0.2% up to 3.5% in postmortem autopsies of the general population and can account for up to 60% of cases involving young adults with claudication symptoms. Most cases are male (80%) and younger than 30 years. […] Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome must be suspected in all young patients with calf claudication, and appropriate diagnostic imaging must be undertaken after a full history and physical is completed.
  • #19
    https://journals.lww.com/cjsportsmed/fulltext/2022/09000/double_major_for_slashing__management_of_blunt.29.aspx
    It is important to have PAES in the differential diagnosis when evaluating young patients with disabling claudication. […] We present the first reported case of blunt popliteal fossa from an ice hockey slash causing popliteal artery occlusion with underlying PAES. Ice hockey medical teams must suspect blunt popliteal artery injury and/or PAES in all skaters reporting calf pain with or without trauma. Ongoing concerns about popliteal fossa trauma in contact sports such as ice hockey may lead to improvements in popliteal fossa coverage.
  • #20 Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome | Beacon Health System
    https://www.beaconhealthsystem.org/library/diseases-and-conditions/popliteal-artery-entrapment-syndrome?content_id=CON-20459610
    Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) is an uncommon condition that affects the main artery behind the knee. […] Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome is most common among athletes. […] Symptoms typically affect young, otherwise healthy people under age 40. […] Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) is uncommon. […] The condition is most often seen in people who are in their late teens or 20s. It’s rarely diagnosed in those over age 40. […] PAES can occur in anyone, but it’s much more common in young men. […] Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) symptoms significantly affect everyday or athletic activities, surgery may be suggested. […] If it’s found early, treatment may be easier, and it may work better.
  • #21 Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome in a Young Baseball Pitcher: A Ca | JPR
    https://www.dovepress.com/popliteal-artery-entrapment-syndrome-in-a-young-baseball-pitcher-a-cas-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-JPR
    Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) is a rare disease in young adults and is thought to be under-diagnosed, and its main cause is the abnormal structure between the popliteal artery and gastrocnemius muscle. […] PAES is one of the causes of the rare symptoms of lower extremity, intermittent claudication, which can be clearly diagnosed. The prevalence is between 0.165% and 3.5%, the male to female ratio is 15:1, and the prevalence of bilateral symptoms is 2767%. […] It is necessary to include this disease in differential diagnosis to implement early diagnosis, and ultrasonography is a more cheap and simple method for early detection.
  • #22 Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome (PAES): Symptoms and Treatment
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17375-popliteal-artery-entrapment-syndrome-paes
    Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) is a rare condition that causes leg pain in some young athletes. […] According to estimates, less than 1% of people have PAES. Its difficult to know the true number of people who have this condition. […] Surgery is the preferred treatment for popliteal artery entrapment syndrome because it gives excellent results for most people. More than 90% of people who have the surgery have great improvement in their symptoms afterward. […] Surgical treatment is successful in more than 90% of people and its unlikely that theyll have symptoms again. Most athletes return to normal activity after surgery.
  • #23
    https://www.orthobullets.com/knee-and-sports/3107/popliteal-artery-entrapment-syndrome
    Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome is a condition characterized by constriction of the popliteal artery by adjacent muscles, tendons or fibrous tissue. […] Epidemiology: male predominance (about 4:1). […] patient age typically 25-40 years old. […] 70-100% of patients are reported to be asymptomatic after surgery.
  • #24 Frontiers | Case Report: COVID-19 exacerbates acute lower limb ischemia in patients with popliteal artery entrapment syndrome
    https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/cardiovascular-medicine/articles/10.3389/fcvm.2024.1329863/full
    Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) is a rare clinical ischemic disease of the lower limbs, mainly caused by various reasons such as popliteal artery compression and stenosis and secondary thrombosis caused by an injury of the vascular endothelium due to exercise and other factors. […] The incidence rate is 0.6%–3.5%. […] COVID-19 may increase the risk of arteriovenous thrombosis, which may further aggravate the acute ischemia of lower limbs in people with PAES.
  • #25 Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome (PAES) – Motus Physical Therapy
    https://motusspt.com/popliteal-artery-entrapment-syndrome-paes/
    Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) is a condition in which the popliteal artery, the main blood vessel that supplies blood to the back of the knee, becomes trapped or compressed. […] PAES is most common in young athletes, particularly those who participate in sports that involve running or jumping. […] PAES is a potentially serious condition that can lead to limb loss if not treated properly. […] If you think you may have PAES, it is important to see a doctor right away. […] Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for the best possible outcome. […] Anyone can develop PAES, but it is more common in young athletes who participate in activities that involve repetitive knee bending, such as running, cycling, or soccer. […] It is also more common in people who have certain anatomical abnormalities of the popliteal artery or surrounding tissues.